Next week is British car week. After that I am afraid that the MGA must
spend some time in intensive care. I would like to put a set of valve
seals on to stop the James Bond imitation on start up. If I remember
correctly, Midget valve seals are recommended for the A. I have also heard
that some Chevy seals fit. Could anyone provide me with more info and part
numbers so that I can order up a set. Also, should I put them on all 8
valves or just the intakes?
She runs great but age is catching up with her in a few places. The 35
year old gaskets don't seal much anymore. The u-joints don't "u" anymore.
The clutch is about gone. So the week after next the engine comes out.
I plan on replacing gaskets, the clutch, u-joints, and piston rings- I
did the bearings last year.
I am also going to take a look inside the tranny. Anything in particular
in there that I should pay attention to? The 2nd gear syncro is a little
weak and it whines a little but it seems pretty stout in general.
By the way, before I get e-mails about how I should just rebuild it all
and be done with it, I am approaching this as a maintenance thing, not a
rebuild. I would like to keep as many original parts as possible because
the car is very original mechanically and I would like to see how long I
can keep it that way. She's not dead, just a little tired.
Regards,
Bill Eastman
61 MGA in needs of a slight make over
|